Rahm to Guardian Angels: You're Not Needed on Mag Mile

Volunteer organization's efforts would be more helpful along Safe Passage routes, mayor says

Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Wednesday said that if the Guardian Angels want to protect something, their efforts would be more appreciated along Safe Passage routes than on Michigan Avenue.

"Michigan Avenue, police work every day to make that secure and safe," he said after a meeting of the City Council.

His remarks come a day after members of the non-profit volunteer organization distributed flyers along one of the city's prominent shopping districts. The flyers referred to the Magnificent Mile as "Muggers Mile."

"I think the Guardian Angels are interested in safety and security," said Emanuel. "There's a lot of areas in the city where they can work in partnership" [with police]. There's gonna be a lot of safe-passage routes for kids. Come work those."

The Safe Passage program is designed to give students added security and a protected route as they travel to and from school.

The Mag Mile has seen a number of so-called "wilding" incidents. A Florida teen was recently punched in the face while trying to stop a group of teens from robbing another tourist.

May 20, 2013: Perception Not Reality On Mag Mile Safety: McCarthy
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